DeGroff Aviation Technologies

What DeGroff Aviation Technologies does

DeGroff Aviation Technologies, LLC is a privately held Indiana-based manufacturer of aviation safety equipment founded in 1985 and operating under the tagline "Designed for Pilots, by Pilots." The company is headquartered at 150 Forest Park Dr., Berne, Indiana, and serves general aviation, commercial/business aviation, and defense aviation customers globally. Its primary products are the PitotShield and PitotShield V2 SmartCover — self-disengaging pitot tube covers designed to prevent fouled or burnt-out pitot tubes during maintenance and eliminate rejected takeoffs caused by forgotten covers. The V1 model uses an air-resistance disengagement method for general aviation piston aircraft (Cessna, Piper, Beech, Columbia, Grumman American, Citation), while the V2 uses thermal activation timed to disengage within 2-5 minutes of pitot heat startup for turbine aircraft (Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Gulfstream, Learjet, Honda Jet).

The company complements its pitot-cover franchise with a broader safety equipment line including urethane and vinyl pitot covers, EZ-Lock Tie Downs, Handy Chocks, navigation light reflectors, banners and streamers (e.g., "Remove Before Flight"), and pilot gear (performance optics, instrument covers, cockpit organization accessories). Products are made in the USA. Distribution is multi-tier: direct e-commerce through degroffaviation.com; U.S. distributors (AeroPhoenix, Jem Aero, Aircraft Spruce, Proponent — the latter exclusive for V2 commercial products); U.S. linked dealers including Sporty's Pilot Shop, Chief Aircraft, Wag Aero, Cirrus Connection, and SkyGeek.com; and international dealers in Germany, UK, Spain, and Australia. Commercial pricing is quote-based via Proponent; general aviation products appear to be one-time purchases.

Revenue is undisclosed. The company is bootstrapped with no parent company, no funding rounds, no M&A activity, and no disclosed headcount. Operating status is active. The defensible position rests on registered trademarks (PitotShield, PitotShield V2, SmartCover), first-mover status in self-disengaging pitot covers, nearly 40 years of operating history, a multi-channel distribution footprint spanning five countries, and category leadership in a niche that maps to recurring safety spend across the general aviation and turbine aircraft installed base.

Name

DeGroff Aviation Technologies

Legal name

DeGroff Aviation Technologies, LLC

Website

https://degroffaviation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

DeGroff Aviation Technologies is a privately held Indiana manufacturer founded in 1985 that designs self-disengaging pitot tube covers (PitotShield, PitotShield V2 SmartCover) and complementary aviation safety equipment for general aviation, commercial/business aviation, and defense customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Berne

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aviation Safety Equipment Sales: The company generates revenue through the sale of physical aviation safety equipment products including pitot tube covers (PitotShield V1, PitotShield V2 SmartCover, vinyl covers, urethane covers), aircraft retention equipment (wheel chocks, tie-downs), banners and streamers, navigation light reflectors, pilot gear (performance optics, instrument covers, cockpit organization accessories), and branded accessories.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

DeGroff Aviation Technologies designs and manufactures aviation safety equipment, most notably self-disengaging pitot tube covers—the PitotShield for general aviation aircraft and the PitotShield V2 SmartCover for turbine/commercial aircraft. The company also produces a full line of aircraft retention products (tie downs, wheel chocks), banners and streamers, navigation light reflectors, vinyl and urethane pitot covers, and pilot gear including performance optics, instrument covers, and cockpit organization accessories, all made in the USA.

Product overview

DeGroff Aviation Technologies is an aviation safety equipment manufacturer founded in 1985, offering a portfolio of aircraft safety solutions for corporate, commercial, and general aviation. The company produces two flagship self-disengaging pitot tube covers: the PitotShield (for General Aviation) and PitotShield V2™ SmartCover™ (for Turbine Aircraft), both designed to prevent costly burnt-up or fouled pitot tubes and eliminate runway RTO incidents. Complementing these core products is a comprehensive line of Aviation Safety Equipment including Urethane and Vinyl Pitot Covers, Aircraft Retention products (EZ-Lock Tie Downs, Handy Chocks), Banners & Streamers, and Navigation Light Reflectors. The company also offers Pilot Gear including Performance Optics (PilotShields Pro), Instrument Covers, Cockpit Organization products, and Accessories. All products are manufactured domestically in the USA with quality materials and are distributed through a global network of dealers and distributors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PitotShield Self-disengaging pitot tube cover for General Aviation aircraft. Uses an innovative air-resistance disengagement method allowing pilots to take off without risk of leaving the pitot cover in place. Made from lightweight, durable EVA foam that presents no FOD hazard. Fits 3/4", 5/8", and Piper Blade-Type pitot tubes (P/N 7500/7501/7502). Designed for Cessna, Piper, Beech, Columbia, Grumman American, Aero Commander, Citation, and similar piston-engine aircraft.
• PitotShield V2 SmartCover (PSV2) Thermally-activated auto-disengaging pitot tube cover specifically designed for Turbine Aircraft. Uses Auto Pitot Heat thermal activation to disengage the pitot tube cover within 2-5 minutes of startup. Made from SLS additive-manufactured sintered pure polypropylene. Universal fit compatible with Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Honda Jet, Gulfstream, Learjet, and other commercial/business aircraft. Sold exclusively through Proponent as the exclusive commercial/bizjet distributor.
• EZ-Lock Tie Downs Adjustable aircraft tie-down system for securing aircraft on asphalt and ground surfaces. Features steel carabiners and heavy-duty steel spiral stakes. Available as individual straps (P/N 5901) or as a Performance Anchor Kit (P/N 5906) with three 10' straps, steel carabiners, spiral stakes, and high-visibility bag.
• Handy Chocks Lightweight, compact wheel chocks for aircraft retention. Machined aluminum construction with powder coat finish in red or yellow, measuring 8" x 2" at 8.3 oz. Available in Red (P/N 5904-R) or Yellow (P/N 5904-Y).
• Navigation Light Reflectors Lightweight, precision-machined polycarbonate navigation light indicators that ensure greater visibility from cockpit and ground. Fits all Grimes lights (P/N 5097).
• Propeller Banners High-visibility PVC-coated banners for indicating aircraft status, including "FOR SALE" (P/N 5815) and "FOR RENT" (P/N 5816) banners with durable Velcro straps.
• Informational & Warning Streamers High-visibility streamers for indicating items requiring attention, including "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" (P/N 4604), "DO NOT TOW" (P/N 5813), "OUT OF SERVICE" (P/N 5811), and WickShield for static wick protection (P/N 4610).
• Urethane Covers Durable urethane pitot tube covers fitting 3/4", 5/8", and Piper Blade-Type pitot tubes. Available in multiple configurations: P/N 4603, 5065, and 4602.
• Vinyl Covers Classic bootie-style vinyl pitot tube covers with Naugahyde vinyl boot and PVC-coated streamer. Features genuine Velcro strap. Available in Classic and High-Visibility varieties (P/N 4935/4935E). Fits most round-type pitot tube covers.
• PilotShields Pro Performance optics eyewear for effective visual navigation. Features ophthalmic-quality frames with polycarbonate lenses for durability and optical quality. Includes branded hard case and microfiber lens cleaning cloth. Available in Grey-Green (P/N 7520GG) or Bronze (P/N 7520BZ) lens colors.
• Instrument Covers Static-cling, re-usable PVC instrument covers for training and emergency purposes. Available in 6" x 3" rectangular (P/N 5198, pack of three) and 2 5/8" round (P/N 5197, pack of five) sizes.
• Cockpit Organization Products Storage solutions for cockpit organization including No Clutter Clips (P/N 6005/6006/6007) with matte black suction cup design for charts and checklists, and Genuine Velcro Strips (P/N 5819) measuring 3/4" x 4 1/2" with permanent adhesive.
• Aviation Accessories Aviation-themed accessories including License Plates (P/N 6009ILF/6009F) made from high-impact polystyrene and Crew Tags (P/N 6001) with leather strap and brass buckle for luggage identification.

Quantifiable outcome

• Prevents burnt-up or fouled pitot tubes - eliminates costly maintenance repairs
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and general.

• ProponentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distributor for commercial and bizjet products. Customers are directed to contact Proponent at [email protected] for purchasing and pricing information for the PitotShield V2 SmartCover.
• AeroPhoenixcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorU.S. distributor for DeGroff Aviation products.
• Jem AerocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorU.S. distributor for DeGroff Aviation products.
• Aircraft SprucecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor U.S. aviation products distributor for general aviation products.
• SkyGeek.comgeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorU.S. linked dealer for DeGroff Aviation products.
• Cirrus ConnectiongeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorU.S. linked dealer for DeGroff Aviation products, specializing in Cirrus aircraft.
• Wag AerogeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorU.S. linked dealer for DeGroff Aviation products.
• Chief AircraftgeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorU.S. linked dealer for DeGroff Aviation products.
• Sporty's Pilot ShopgeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor U.S. pilot supplies retailer and linked dealer for DeGroff Aviation products.
• Friebe Aero Luftfahrt BedarfgeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer based in Germany serving European customers.
• Transair UK Pilot ShopgeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer based in the United Kingdom.
• Pooley's Flight Equipment Ltd.generalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer based in the United Kingdom.
• BuckerBook.comgeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer based in Spain.
• FlightstoregeneralChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer based in Australia.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Chief Aircraft: Aviation supplies retailer carrying aircraft safety accessories, pilot gear, and replacement parts. Comparable to DeGroff as a multi-line seller targeting the same general aviation pilot customer base.
• Wag Aero: Supplier of aircraft parts and accessories for general aviation including safety items. Comparable to DeGroff in product scope and in serving the same piston and light-turbine pilot segments.
• SkyGeek.com: Online aviation supplies retailer carrying pilot gear, tie-downs, chocks, and other ground-handling accessories. Comparable to DeGroff as a competing direct-to-consumer storefront for the same buyer and product categories.
• AeroPhoenix: U.S. aviation parts distributor carrying safety, retention, and accessory products. Comparable to DeGroff as both a competing channel for similar SKUs and as an existing distribution partner, illustrating channel overlap.
• Knots2U: Manufacturer of aftermarket aircraft parts and accessories focused on general aviation. Comparable to DeGroff as a small U.S. maker of complementary safety and operational accessories sold through similar distributor networks.
• Sporty's Pilot Shop: Large pilot supplies retailer with proprietary product lines (aviation headsets, training gear) sold alongside third-party brands. Comparable to DeGroff as a pilot-facing retailer with a self-developed product portfolio competing for the same discretionary pilot budget.
• Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. Major U.S. aviation parts distributor and private-label manufacturer serving general aviation and homebuilt pilots. Directly comparable to DeGroff because it both distributes competing safety accessories and supplies its own branded equivalents to the same pilot buyer.
• Davis Aviation Products: Manufacturer of general aviation accessories including pitot covers and oil coolers. Comparable to DeGroff because it competes in the same small-parts, accessory-driven product category with similar distribution through aviation parts retailers.

Regional players

• Friebe Aero Luftfahrtbedarf: Germany-based aviation accessories retailer and one of DeGroff's listed European dealers. Comparable to DeGroff as a regional retailer of pilot gear and safety accessories competing for the German-speaking pilot customer base.
• Transair UK Pilot Shop: UK-based aviation pilot supplies retailer carrying general aviation safety accessories. Comparable to DeGroff as an international dealer for the same products and as a regional competitor for UK pilot wallet share.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat2 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/degroff-aviation-technologies

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DeGroff Aviation Technologies